The Slieve Doan Walk (From Ott Car Park): Parking, Map + Trail Info

The Slieve Doan Walk is a magnificent way to spend a fine morning.

However, as Doan Mountain isn’t as well-known as its other Mourne Mountain brethren, many tend to overlook it.

The beauty of Doan is that it gives some serious bang for your buck. It’s a lovely little hike that boasts some of the most glorious panoramas in the entire country!

Some quick need-to-knows about the Slieve Doan Hike

Now, before you dive into the guide below, take 30 seconds to read these points, first, as they’ll save you time in the long run!

1. Location

You’ll find Slieve Doan in the heart of the Mourne’s and is surrounded by plenty of larger peaks. The Mourne Mountains themselves are a granite mountain range in County Down in the southeast of Northern Ireland. The nearest town to Doan is Newcastle, around a 35-minute drive away. 

2. Length

The Slieve Doan walk is around 8 km (5 miles) return and will take 4-5 hours to complete, depending on how long you decide to stop at certain points along the way. 

3. Difficulty

So this is one of the easier hikes in the Mourne’s, but you’ll still need to prepare properly and it can be very steep and challenging in places. The route is reasonably straightforward but decent fitness levels are needed.

4. Parking

The Ott Car Park is where you’ll park and also where the hike begins. You’ll find it on Slievenaman Road and there’s room for around 12 cars, though plenty of people park on the side of the road during busy periods (if you’re going to do this be sure to never block the road).

5. Outstanding views

As I mentioned in the intro, this is one of the most rewarding of the Mourne hikes as you’ll enjoy some absolutely deadly views! So if you’ve been thinking about taking on Doan then don’t hesitate – there are some stunning cinematic panoramas waiting right here!

About Doan Mountain

At 593 metres in height, Doan Mountain (Dun Maol Chobha) is pretty small in comparison to the grand peaks that surround it on all sides, but you can’t argue with the quality of its 360-degree views!  

Another reason that Doan Mountain gets less attention than the others is because the famous Mourne Wall doesn’t pass through it.

Originally built in 1922 to keep livestock from contaminating water supplies, the wall is now more known for the popular Mourne Wall Challenge Walk but Doan’s central location means it often gets passed by. 

But those who do take on Doan’s rocky paths will be rewarded with some of the most stunning panoramas of any Irish mountain range. 

An overview of the Slieve Doan walk 

The Ott Car Park to the northwest of Slieve Doan is the start point of this walk, so cross the road and head up the path to the stile between Slieve Loughshannagh and Carn Mountain.

Follow this track and you’ll see the Mourne Wall crossing both mountains with Slieve Doan up ahead in the distance with Slieve Binnian behind (there are also nice views back down to Fofanny Reservoir). 

Towards the wall

Pass by Ott Mountain on your right while ascending the gentle slope on the stony path, before it turns to broken-up peat underfoot.

Continue towards the obvious saddle between the two mountains until you reach a larger stile crossing the Mourne Wall.

Swing left here and head past Lough Shannagh, crossing some boggy terrain before arriving at the stony ascent up towards Doan’s summit. 

Reaching the top

The final section is probably the most challenging part of the hike. Watch your footing when walking over rocks and boulders and reach the summit proper by going around the crags (the right-hand route is easier and gives lovely views of the Silent Valley in the distance).

When you’re at the top you’ll be able to enjoy an epic 360 panorama! Head back the same way down to return.

Things to do near Slieve Doan

One of the beauties of Doan Mountain is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Down.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Doan (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. More Mourne walks (5 minutes + drive)

The tallest and most dramatic mountain range in Northern Ireland, there are loads of other great rambles to take on in the Mourne Mountains. From conquering Slieve Donard to the lengthy Mourne Wall Challenge, these walks are packed with belting views and ancient hills are often just a short drive from each other. 

2. Newcastle for food (15-minute drive)

This charming little spot is a fine place to base yourself if you’re planning a weekend in the Mournes! When you’ve exhausted yourself walking, there’s a ton of cracking places for a fee. There are fish and chips spots everywhere, and, if the weather’s good, don’t miss grabbing a calorie-tastic ice cream from Nugelato!

3. Tollymore Forest Park (15-minute drive)

Another great thing about Newcastle is that the magnificent Tollymore Forest Park is a cracking nearby spot to check out. Just a handy five-minute drive away, the park is right at the base of the Mourne Mountains and is perfect for walking, camping, horse riding and orienteering.

4. Kilbroney Park (20-minute drive)

When a park contains a viewpoint known as Kodak Corner, you know it’ll be worth checking out! As well as the corner’s lovely views over Carlingford Lough, Kilbroney Park Forest also features riverside walks, an arboretum and the Cloughmore – a 30 ton stone that’s been the subject of all sorts of myth!

FAQs about Doan Mountain

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘How hard is the walk?’ to ‘Where’s good for food nearby?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.